Following is recent media coverage and articles relating to Energy Federation, including press coverage, press releases, and pieces written by EFI staff.

March 12, 2008
In response to recent concern relating to mercury in compact fluorescent lamps, EFI President Brad Steele submitted the op/ed piece below for consideration to The Boston Globe. An except follows.

Compact fluorescent light bulbs, or cfls, have been an icon of the energy efficiency movement and their growing popularity has been remarkable. In 2007, more than 400 million cfls were sold nationwide -- a four-fold increase from just three years ago. The associated reduction in carbon dioxide emissions from using that many cfls (rather than the same number of incandescent bulbs), is more than 100 million tons. Installing cfls is the easiest and most immediate action consumers can take to reduce their ‘carbon footprints.’

Unfortunately, two reports recently issued by the state of Maine and the Vermont-based Mercury Policy Project addressing the risks posed by mercury in cfls, are being misconstrued. Some consumers are reaching conclusions other than those stated by the studies’ authors.

Both studies acknowledge the potential risks of mercury exposure in cfls and stress proper disposal and the importance of recycling. These are accurate and important messages. Despite these concerns, both studies conclude that the energy saving and environmental benefits of cfls outweigh any risks associated with using them. Some consumers are choosing to focus on a complicated and hazardous clean up process, should a cfl break, and are refusing to use them. But before we throw the baby out with the bath water, we should understand the ongoing improvements being made to cfls and the expanding options for disposing of and recycling these bulbs. [more follows...]

Read Full Letter: Op/Ed Submission (pdf)